How Can I Trigger An Action When I Press A Button/collide

Is there an easy way to trigger an action like my player collide with something it plays a particle system or when he passes near an object it can activate it or others?

I'm trying to script a bit my game but it's really difficult.

For example, currently, I'm working on a simple advanced move. My character explore a room and when he walks past a bookcase, an icon appears and I can press a button to look for. When this action is made the bookcase visually changes and collectables appear. So the player can collect it.